Hilton invites investors and owners to explore franchising opportunities following its launch in September of a large-scale franchise model in China for upscale brand, Hilton Garden Inn. The business model will allow independent hotel owners in China to benefit from Hilton’s commercial strategies and extensive support network.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton,said, “We remain optimistic about the travel industry recovery in the long term as we continue to see strong domestic leisure demand in various parts of Asia Pacific; and investors remain bullish on the hotel sector. We are confident that the new model will serve as a great opportunity for our owners to access one of Hilton’s iconic brands.”
With the launch of the new franchise model, Hilton is offering a Hilton Garden Inn brand prototype developed specifically for the Chinese market, which was originally launched in 2019. Under the program, owners can take advantage of attractive upfront investment costs, while the leaner operating model drives profitability and provides ease for day-to-day operations.
To date, Hilton has inked more than 100 deals to develop Hilton Garden Inn hotels in China. The anticipated growth momentum also corresponds with the increasing demand for internationally branded hotels to meet evolving consumer needs, especially within second and third tier cities in China.
“We are always on the lookout for the right partners in the right locations, and we will absolutely be assessing the right time to introduce the franchise model to regional investors in Asia Pacific,” Watts added. Hilton Garden Inn currently has a global footprint of over 900 hotels, with 35 in China and 44 across Asia Pacific. APR
